Dearest Son,
Your missive reached us a few days after it was sent. Both your father and I were surprised at the speed with which it traveled. Surely you are not spending your hard earned coin on such an extravagance? Send it by normal means please, for while we greatly enjoy hearing your news, we do not wish to have you become poor at the expense of our curiosity.
The legion sounds like an interesting place in which to work, your tale of true-found, yet unrequited love brought us both great joy and great sorrow. We are certain, should you persevere, this damsel will learn of your love and requite. We hope the dagger sheath that we sent was appropriate? We were uncertain how flowers would appeal to a dame legionnaire, but trust totally in your judgment. Most women enjoy presents, and so long as your presents are small and inexpensive, we are certain you can keep up this method until you, or she tires of it. Your script is very flowery my son, and we worry that perhaps you have hitched your wagon to a star. And in its rising it will eclipse your life, but in its setting it will destroy you. For all stars come to a fiery end.
Still, love is to be expected in the lives of the young, such as you. We wish you good luck in all things you do. As to the type of presents, we can recommend perhaps we could fashion her a leather cloak for the feast of Halane, if you would only send us her measurements. For the summer, keep up with the flowers. In the autumn we recommend leaving packets of herbs and dried flowers – for both are practical and perhaps will suit her temperament better than fancy things or sweets. It will certainly better suit your coin purse. In the winter change the gifts again to furs. Rabbit furs should be relatively inexpensive, and you should have enough needle craft to fashion slippers and boot linings, mittens and neck covers. We have sent a leather needle and a ball of leather twine that should help you create these items as needed. Your father recommends perhaps only one or two such gifts would be appropriate. Say the mittens on the first day of bitter cold when she must perform some duty outside the keep and the boot-warmers on her first patrol in cold and wet weather. Come spring, you can return to flowers, if the relationship has progressed no farther.
Life here continues. The business with the shop goes well enough that we no longer receive Peonian baskets. Sister Anna would have us continue with them, but we manage well. Your father has taken on a second apprentice, a young boy by the name of Dennis. He is rather rough, but his skills with leather are appreciable and he has only been here a fortnight. It is through Dennis’s Apprenticeship fee that we have received a boon. Dennis’s father, Andolan of Guisep, is apparently a man of some standing in Melderyn. Why he would want to foster his child in a foreign country is beyond my ken. Your father believes it is because Dennis could neither own, nor be responsible for a shop. It appears Andolan has other hopes for his son’s future – still Hondash intends to give the boy the best training he can.
Dianna’s wedding is set for the month of Ilvin of this year. If you are able, we would be honored with your presence, but both your sister, Micheal and all of us here realize that you may not be able to get away. Sister Anna has offered to send an official request for your presence, but we declined, not wanting to put you under such duress. Your Primi would, no doubt, take offense at such usurpation. Please tell him he, and the rest of the Tenaci, are welcomed as honored guests, but not really expected.
Lupedis wants us to add that he is doing well and has already passed the first tests of the Guild of the Mangai. There is threefold test he has to pass over the coming year. Some require booklore, while others he is neither to study nor think very long upon. It is most confusing, and we have been warned that very few who apply pass such tests. In the mean time he is progressing nicely and has asked that we send along his first harness. He would be honored if you could use it on your horse, if you have the chance. The braid is a handsome one and has few discernible flaws. He has carved your name on the inside of the strap, in case it should be lost in the legion’s tack room.
Your friends from the temple come by here quite often asking of you. They seem to like what meager faire we can provide. I suspect Sister Anna’s hand in this. Their presence in the square has diminished the number of unwanted visitors, which we use to receive regularly. Your friends have told me they are spending equal time in many of the shops. Indeed-I has seen it myself. But I believe we have you to thank for this solution. Your father refuses to admit that it was ever a problem, and so I will discuss it no more. Fortunately your friends have money and need for leather goods. They wear out their boots and cloaks and bridles at an unusual rate. Your father claims most of the damage is from battles, for it appears that the leathers are cut, or ruined by blood or wine. I never realized life in the Peonian temple could be so dangerous.
We gave them your letter upon its arrival, for Sir Matthew was here playing a game of nine-man Morris with Lupedis. He laughed with joy at your news, and tried to explain it to us – but alas he lost us in his attempt. Suffice to say we are gladdened to hear your decisions in regards to religion and servitude are lessened. Sir Matthew promises a longer letter soon, for he must travel north for a few days and promises to write you as soon as he returns. He wishes you well and knows the goddess will keep you safe.
We pray for your health and well-being.
We are forever your loving parents & family.
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